Question for Matt Miller Re: PA and Ama Kit

Hi Matt
Which of the Sidekick Ama Kits would fit best on an '11 PA?
The standard one or the one with the center bar?
From the drawings of the deck, right behind the seat would seem to be the best place to mount the akas?
Thanks in Advance
Fred

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Always looking for ways to make good things 'Gooder'

There is only one type of "SideKick" ama kit. The kit is not appropriate for the Pro Angler. They have too much freeboard. I would think the Pro Angler is pretty stable and would not need amas for balance.

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Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Matt

This is not my boat. An area neighbor bought a PA as a commuter craft to use for a mile each way on not the most protected harbor on the Coast at times(mostly in Winter if the wind, wave pattern shift, combined with near sub zero weather)
My response was that the stability of the craft was superb (as opposed to a 12-14 foot aluminum cartopper with an outboard. It was mentioned that an Ama kit might increase stability. It was also mentioned that a second seat for a new PA owner would not be the best idea. I agree.
May I suggest that the wording in the Catalogue be changed on the Sidekick Ama kit be revised to delete the wording "suitable for any Hobie Kayak Model"

Thanks
Trinomite

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Always looking for ways to make good things 'Gooder'

In most of the Hobie information, the Pro Angler isn't referred to as a kayak. If you check the website the Pro Angler is broken down into a separate category called "Mirage Drive Boats" while the other categories are "Mirage Drive Kayaks" and "Paddle Kayaks".

I don't disagree with what you're saying, but often it's the user that calls the Pro Angler a kayak, more then Hobie. Having said that, the "Mirage Drive Boats" section is under the Kayaking tab, so I can see how it might be misleading to some.

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Yeah.... as we add models, sometimes old text descriptions like this are out dated.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

It's also only purchased where Hobie Kayaks are sold and it is listed in Hobie's kayak catalog etc etc etc ........... and is considered by the public as a Kayak so the accessories should specifically state that it is not for the Pro Angler

Reality is... you could use it on the Pro Angler I think. Just not as effective due to the freeboard (amas would not touch water in the down position) and having to mount it well aft due to width constraints of the crossbar.

I have noted a change for the next catalog though... to simply say it fits "most" Hobie Kayaks.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

When I'm visualizing my "dream" boat (for when I retire, not too far away now) I've been planning on an Adventure with the sidekick amas, mostly to be left in the "up" position. I want to paddle on the sea, and I'd only set out if conditions were good, but things can change fast. My thinking is that the amas "up" won't be in the way or cause any drag, but might save me from a capsize in unexpected rough water. And, if I did fall off the boat for any reason, the amas would be there to help me re-enter - no messing about with paddle floats.

I don't know if it's possible to capsize a kayak with amas fitted, at least in any waters I'm likely to be paddling. If it happened, the amas would resist righting the boat. I think if I threw my weight on one, I could force it under, allowing the kayak to come over. Failing that, next step would be to either detach or deflate one float until the boat was righted, then sort it out from there.

If I'm wrong about any of this, somebody please tell me!

Mary